Mikayla and I did our long runs on Saturdays.Jan.9- 2.8 milesJan. 16- 5.2 milesJan. 23- 6.4 miles Run, plus 1.6 mile WalkJan. 30- Mik. was on a temple trip and I chickened out because of the cold!

My weight is back down to within 2 pounds of my pre-Christmas weight! I really struggle with controlling my appetite under stress. One day 2 weeks ago, I did really good all day sticking to my diet plans. Then, Shane came home and we were preparing to go out for dinner. Jared woke up from a late nap and came crying up the stairs to our room. Now on my bed was an open package of fruit snacks. I don't actually like fruit snacks. Some child had started this package and left it on my bed. I had seen it several times and passed by it. I wasn't interested in eating it and hadn't yet found the culprit who left it on my bed. When Jared came up the stairs crying, anxiety suddenly kicked in and I actually caught myself reaching for the fruit snack to grab it and eat a couple bites!!!! Wow! What a telling moment. I can do really well with my eating until my stress level increases.

I was really glad that I caught myself and recognized that I was just eating for emotional reasons. I confessed (through my tears) to a friend earlier that same week that I am completely willing to do whatever exercise it takes to lose weight, but that I can't control my appetite. She told me about a book about changing your thought process about dieting. I bought it right away. It's called The Complete Beck Diet for Life. I have struggled with depression in the past and have learned how to talk to myself to help combat those feelings, so I was very interested in a book about changing how I talk to myself about dieting. So far, I'm enjoying the book and I think it is helping me feel more in control.

The plan is to lose about a 1 pound a week until May 2nd. I'm trying to get as much exercise built into my schedule as possible. So, I'm going to a Zumba class every Monday evening, trying for 3 exercise sessions at home during the week, and then a long run on Saturday. Yesterday, I did an exercise video for 50 minutes and then did Zumba last night. All in all, things are going very well.

You're doing fantastic! You're such an inspiration.I can totally relate to being willing to do lots of exercise but not being able to get the emotional eating under control. Food is my drug and I'm not sure I want to be clean. Sigh. I hope the book really helps. If anyone can do it, it'll be you!

I eat because I'm tired, bored, hungry, not hungry, stressed...basically, any time I am awake!I was talking with Jamie earlier this week and she was telling me about this book and with Patty as well about the addiction recovery booklet from the church.I so need any and all help I can get at this point.I am so like Patty and am not sure I want it enough I guess. =\Keep up the great work Marua! I would love to think i could do a 1/2 marathon in 3 months...but I might be happy with a 5k at this point. You are amazing! :)